Defeat the heat with Cool Summer Treats Tips and tricks to stay hydrated

BY NOEL CUNNINGHAM

The nights are shorter the days are longer which means the best season of the year is officially here.  If you’ve been keeping up with my column you would have realized from early June I was promoting summer meal ideas. Living in Canada let me appreciate this season more, because you get a chance to go place and do things that you can’t do in winter like backyard BBQ, picnics or even camping. The downside to summer is that some days can be super-hot and dry and our body needs to stay hydrated. So, I have prepared some cool foods to defeat the heat.

How to lower body heat quickly

• Eating extra amount of cucumbers can keep your body hydrated. We all heard the saying “as cool as a cucumber” yes it does keep you cool.
• Watermelon is known as the inside air conditioner. It quenches your thirst and cools you down.
• Reduce alcohol intake and avoid fatty foods. These will increase your body temperature.
• Up your lemon game this summer. Citrus has a cooling effect on the body so now you know why lemonade is the preferred summer drink.
• Indulge in all summer has to offer and stay hydrated by trying these cool treats.

Fruit Kebobs

These fruits kebobs are fun to make and can always be made ahead of time for a family day out.

Ingredients

• 12 red seedless grapes
• ½ pineapple diced
• 12 green seedless grapes
• 12 blackberries
• 6 strawberries (hulled and cut in halves)

Sauce

• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tsp   honey
• 3 tbsp. milk

Directions

1. Take 12 wooden skewers and thread the fruits in order and serve with yogurt dipping sauce.
2. For the sauce combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.

Blueberry-Coconut Yogurt Popsicle

These popsicles are perfect for the kids or the kid in you instead of ice cream on a hot summer day. They can stay hydrated and healthy with these cool treats.

Ingredients

• 1 cup coconut Greek yogurt
• 1 cup blueberry yogurt
• Honey (optional)

Directions

Fill each popsicle fill mould or cup with blended yogurt. If mould has lid, close lid and insert popsicle sticks. If using a cup after you add all the yogurt insert stick and place carefully in the freezer overnight.

Orange Juice Popsicle

Easy way to add vitamin C to your diet during the hot day in a fun way.

Ingredients

• Orange juice
• Sliced strawberries
• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Sliced kiwi

Directions

Fill each popsicle mold or plastic cup with prepared fruits and add orange juice, insert stick and place carefully in the freezer overnight.

Watermelon Pizza

This watermelon pizza is perfect for a hot day outside. It’s not only fun to make but it also keeps you hydrated. Fun way to get the kids to eat their fruits.

Ingredients

• 1 watermelon (round cut or wedges)
• ¼ cup coconut yogurt (for spread)
• 4 strawberries, sliced in quarters
• 4 raspberries cut in half
• 8 blueberries
• Diced pineapples

Directions

1. Cut water melon round in half then cut off a slice of watermelon right down the middle, about 2-3 inches thick.
2. Spread yogurt over the watermelon then add your fruits on top as you desire. Cut melon in 8 pieces and enjoy